Play Therapy in Rumson, NJ
Deanna Puglio Zefferino
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rumson, NJ 07760
Mom, Dad or guardian: Have you been struggling to find great help for your young child or teen? Is your 4 year old struggling at school, not getting along with others or having trouble managing emotions? Is your middle school girl shutting down, or your teenage boy acting out? You have come to the right place! I can help your family regulate back to "normal". I provide both individual and group therapy which target these issues at the source. I provide a safe, modern and fun space for children and teens to heal & play. Parents who I have worked with have felt the change in their lives, starting with their child.
Mom, Dad or guardian: Have you been struggling to find great help for your young child or teen? Is your 4 year old struggling at school, not getting along with others or having trouble managing emotions? Is your middle school girl shutting down, or your teenage boy acting out? You have come to the right place! I can help your family regulate back to "normal". I provide both individual and group therapy which target these issues at the source. I provide a safe, modern and fun space for children and teens to heal & play. Parents who I have worked with have felt the change in their lives, starting with their child.
Caitlyn Stephens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rumson, NJ 07760
I have extensive training in sand play therapy, and EMDR which has been proven effective in treating trauma.
I primarily work with children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in working with childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, self-harm, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, excessive worrying, irritability, temper tantrums, behavioral concerns, etc. I create highly individualized treatment plans to address all of your concerns. I can help you or your child discover new coping skills, inner resources, and solutions to the challenges you or your family are facing.
I have extensive training in sand play therapy, and EMDR which has been proven effective in treating trauma.
I primarily work with children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in working with childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, self-harm, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, excessive worrying, irritability, temper tantrums, behavioral concerns, etc. I create highly individualized treatment plans to address all of your concerns. I can help you or your child discover new coping skills, inner resources, and solutions to the challenges you or your family are facing.
Tara Engelhardt is a Licensed Social Worker who graduated from Alvernia University with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and from Monmouth University with her Masters in Social Work with a Concentration in Clinical Practice with Families and Children. During her clinical experience, she knew she wanted to work with children and families. Tara has experience working with a variety of populations including children, adolescents, adults and families. Tara strives to provide a safe space for her clients which promotes understanding, acceptance, and personal growth.
Tara Engelhardt is a Licensed Social Worker who graduated from Alvernia University with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and from Monmouth University with her Masters in Social Work with a Concentration in Clinical Practice with Families and Children. During her clinical experience, she knew she wanted to work with children and families. Tara has experience working with a variety of populations including children, adolescents, adults and families. Tara strives to provide a safe space for her clients which promotes understanding, acceptance, and personal growth.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or feeling held back by past experiences? Do you feel like something is missing in your life or that you need to make important connections or breakthroughs to live your life more fully? Do you feel stuck in the past, afraid to live your life, or lack of motivation? Do you feel like low self esteem or insecurity are holding you back? Are there unresolved issues in your relationships with your parents or your partner? We can focus on what you need to break the patterns and move forward. Featured in Newsweek, HuffPost, FOX News, and Men’s Health.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or feeling held back by past experiences? Do you feel like something is missing in your life or that you need to make important connections or breakthroughs to live your life more fully? Do you feel stuck in the past, afraid to live your life, or lack of motivation? Do you feel like low self esteem or insecurity are holding you back? Are there unresolved issues in your relationships with your parents or your partner? We can focus on what you need to break the patterns and move forward. Featured in Newsweek, HuffPost, FOX News, and Men’s Health.
As a psychologist, I appreciate the opportunity to witness peoples’ capacity for not only surviving, but also thriving in today’s complicated world. My experience over the past decade has brought me to understand the many ways a therapist’s role is akin to that of a gardener tending to a lotus. Just as the young lotus needs tender care and stillness, I provide a safe, nurturing and collaborative environment. Respecting the lotus’s need for sunlight, I approach therapy with warmth, openness and humor. As a Confucian scholar once said, “I love the lotus because while growing from mud, it is unstained.”
As a psychologist, I appreciate the opportunity to witness peoples’ capacity for not only surviving, but also thriving in today’s complicated world. My experience over the past decade has brought me to understand the many ways a therapist’s role is akin to that of a gardener tending to a lotus. Just as the young lotus needs tender care and stillness, I provide a safe, nurturing and collaborative environment. Respecting the lotus’s need for sunlight, I approach therapy with warmth, openness and humor. As a Confucian scholar once said, “I love the lotus because while growing from mud, it is unstained.”
Jennifer Chaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rumson, NJ 07760
I have been working in behavioral health for over 25 years. Exposure to multiple settings, diagnoses and treatment modalities has afforded me the benefit of gathering an eclectic and holistic approach to psychotherapy. My goal is to provide each client with an unique and collaborative treatment plan in order to respect the complexity and character of each individual. I am an honest and empathic clinician invested in helping provide others with emotional support and the knowledge to make better decisions.
I have been working in behavioral health for over 25 years. Exposure to multiple settings, diagnoses and treatment modalities has afforded me the benefit of gathering an eclectic and holistic approach to psychotherapy. My goal is to provide each client with an unique and collaborative treatment plan in order to respect the complexity and character of each individual. I am an honest and empathic clinician invested in helping provide others with emotional support and the knowledge to make better decisions.
Many adolescents and young adults struggle while finding themselves. Are you feeling like you don't belong or don't measure up? Are you struggling in school, arguing with your parents, or feeling left out of your friend group? Many adults struggle during major life transitions like marriage/divorce, career shifts, pregnancy and childbirth, or loss of a spouse or loved one. Are these experiences leading you to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and/or completely exhausted? Do you want to feel better but simply don't know how? These are all too common experiences, and you don't have to face them alone.
Many adolescents and young adults struggle while finding themselves. Are you feeling like you don't belong or don't measure up? Are you struggling in school, arguing with your parents, or feeling left out of your friend group? Many adults struggle during major life transitions like marriage/divorce, career shifts, pregnancy and childbirth, or loss of a spouse or loved one. Are these experiences leading you to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and/or completely exhausted? Do you want to feel better but simply don't know how? These are all too common experiences, and you don't have to face them alone.
Courtney Stone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rumson, NJ 07760
I understand that it's not easy to open up and share your story with someone new. Asking for help is the first step and I am so proud of you. Whether you’re struggling with general anxiety, depression, self-esteem or relationship issues, or specifically struggling with issues related to pregnancy/postpartum such as trying-to-conceive, perinatal mood disorders, grief/loss, or adjusting to parenthood, I provide support and guidance to help you with greater ease and resilience. I offer a warm, safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive place for you to talk about your pain & feel understood. I will help navigate your feelings, fears, & joys.
I understand that it's not easy to open up and share your story with someone new. Asking for help is the first step and I am so proud of you. Whether you’re struggling with general anxiety, depression, self-esteem or relationship issues, or specifically struggling with issues related to pregnancy/postpartum such as trying-to-conceive, perinatal mood disorders, grief/loss, or adjusting to parenthood, I provide support and guidance to help you with greater ease and resilience. I offer a warm, safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive place for you to talk about your pain & feel understood. I will help navigate your feelings, fears, & joys.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist and trained in Sand Play Therapy.
If you’re reading this congratulations on taking the first step towards achieving your goals. You’ve decided to reach out and sometimes that is the hardest part. For over 15 years I’ve enjoyed helping those navigate the path to healing. I believe a safe and empathic environment is the foundation to this path. My practice works with those facing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, performance issues, adoption, and relationship conflict. After many years behind the athletic bench I also have a passion for working with athletes and performers seeking to enhance the mental side of their game or barriers that impact their performance.
I am a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist and trained in Sand Play Therapy.
If you’re reading this congratulations on taking the first step towards achieving your goals. You’ve decided to reach out and sometimes that is the hardest part. For over 15 years I’ve enjoyed helping those navigate the path to healing. I believe a safe and empathic environment is the foundation to this path. My practice works with those facing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, performance issues, adoption, and relationship conflict. After many years behind the athletic bench I also have a passion for working with athletes and performers seeking to enhance the mental side of their game or barriers that impact their performance.
Annmarie Conte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Little Silver, NJ 07739
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
Ciera J Cuevas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Haven, NJ 07704 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome Traveler. Jasmine Dragon Counseling LLC (JDC) offers telehealth sessions for adolescents and adults in search of guidance and a creative approach to battling mental health challenges and relational stressors. Through play therapy and expressive arts interventions, JDC supports clients to process emotional pain and learn effective coping techniques to manage depression, anxiety, stress, ADD/ADHD, grief, and PTSD symptoms. A JDC approach to counseling is one that establishes a safe space for active collaboration to target problems and facilitate healing through the creative arts process and exploration of cultural artifacts.
Welcome Traveler. Jasmine Dragon Counseling LLC (JDC) offers telehealth sessions for adolescents and adults in search of guidance and a creative approach to battling mental health challenges and relational stressors. Through play therapy and expressive arts interventions, JDC supports clients to process emotional pain and learn effective coping techniques to manage depression, anxiety, stress, ADD/ADHD, grief, and PTSD symptoms. A JDC approach to counseling is one that establishes a safe space for active collaboration to target problems and facilitate healing through the creative arts process and exploration of cultural artifacts.
Amanda Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Haven, NJ 07704
I weave elements of play, art, and sand into traditional talk therapy to enrich our journey together.
I firmly believe in the uniqueness of every individual, each with their own strengths and challenges. Whether you're navigating personal issues or supporting your child through theirs, remember, you don't have to face it alone. My passion lies in working with clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—helping them lead fulfilling and joyful lives.
I weave elements of play, art, and sand into traditional talk therapy to enrich our journey together.
I firmly believe in the uniqueness of every individual, each with their own strengths and challenges. Whether you're navigating personal issues or supporting your child through theirs, remember, you don't have to face it alone. My passion lies in working with clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—helping them lead fulfilling and joyful lives.
Barbara McKechnie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAT, RDT, RPT
Verified Verified
Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Are you feeling stuck in the past or worried about the future? Do you want to figure out what to do in the here and now? Would you like to accomplish your vision to live a joyful and meaningful life? In addition to "talk therapy", I use Creativity in Counseling, action oriented methods of psychodrama and the playfulness and the projective techniques (including sand-tray, role-play, masks and puppets) of Drama Therapy. These techniques have been proven to be effective with all ages, not just children. By using these creative techniques you will be able to explore issues that create obstacles in a safe and affirming environment.
Are you feeling stuck in the past or worried about the future? Do you want to figure out what to do in the here and now? Would you like to accomplish your vision to live a joyful and meaningful life? In addition to "talk therapy", I use Creativity in Counseling, action oriented methods of psychodrama and the playfulness and the projective techniques (including sand-tray, role-play, masks and puppets) of Drama Therapy. These techniques have been proven to be effective with all ages, not just children. By using these creative techniques you will be able to explore issues that create obstacles in a safe and affirming environment.
I work with children, adolescents, young adults and families who want to make their lives happier. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children and adolescents who are feeling sad, irritable, frustrated, angry, or anxious. Through therapy, I work with families to help children cope with school, social, family, or health problems. In addition to CBT, I incorporate other treatment techniques to best help you and your child (e.g., play therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family systems, and psychodynamic techniques).
I work with children, adolescents, young adults and families who want to make their lives happier. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children and adolescents who are feeling sad, irritable, frustrated, angry, or anxious. Through therapy, I work with families to help children cope with school, social, family, or health problems. In addition to CBT, I incorporate other treatment techniques to best help you and your child (e.g., play therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family systems, and psychodynamic techniques).
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LLC was conceived in 2000 in a tiny office in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey by Gretchen Morgan and Mary Pat McGeehin. Their search for effective treatment led them to include the use of Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, yoga and therapeutic group work with their clients. This was in response to the expanding body of research which illustrated that the mind-body connection was integral to the healing of mental health issues. In 2004, they expanded their practice to include like-minded affiliate clinicians and moved to a larger facility in Eatontown, NJ.
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LLC was conceived in 2000 in a tiny office in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey by Gretchen Morgan and Mary Pat McGeehin. Their search for effective treatment led them to include the use of Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, yoga and therapeutic group work with their clients. This was in response to the expanding body of research which illustrated that the mind-body connection was integral to the healing of mental health issues. In 2004, they expanded their practice to include like-minded affiliate clinicians and moved to a larger facility in Eatontown, NJ.
Alyssa Tallon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Highlands, NJ 07732 (Online Only)
I have experience working with children, teens, and adults, assisting them in enhancing their mindset, overcoming negative thoughts, and fostering self-connection, healing, and resilience. Over the years as a therapist, I have specialized in guiding clients through challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, school-related problems, and life transitions. My aim is to create a supportive and relaxed environment during our sessions and work together with you to achieve your goals.
I have experience working with children, teens, and adults, assisting them in enhancing their mindset, overcoming negative thoughts, and fostering self-connection, healing, and resilience. Over the years as a therapist, I have specialized in guiding clients through challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, school-related problems, and life transitions. My aim is to create a supportive and relaxed environment during our sessions and work together with you to achieve your goals.
Our lives are forever changing in so many ways. With change comes so many different emotions such as happiness, sadness, grief and anxiety to just name a few. Whether the change is positive or negative we have to face it head on. Throughout our lives we need to learn how to embrace change and ride the waves of life.
Our lives are forever changing in so many ways. With change comes so many different emotions such as happiness, sadness, grief and anxiety to just name a few. Whether the change is positive or negative we have to face it head on. Throughout our lives we need to learn how to embrace change and ride the waves of life.
Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 2 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 2 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Victory Christian Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
I graduated from Cairn University with my Masters Degree in Christian Counseling. In the past fifteen years I have worked with a diverse group of clients using a cognitive-behavioral based approach. I specialize in areas of depression, abuse, grief recovery, family dysfunction, the effects of divorce in adulthood and childhood, alcoholism, spiritual formation, and trauma. I currently provide therapy in the Middletown office. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.
I graduated from Cairn University with my Masters Degree in Christian Counseling. In the past fifteen years I have worked with a diverse group of clients using a cognitive-behavioral based approach. I specialize in areas of depression, abuse, grief recovery, family dysfunction, the effects of divorce in adulthood and childhood, alcoholism, spiritual formation, and trauma. I currently provide therapy in the Middletown office. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.
See more therapy options for Rumson
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Rumson
- Asbury Park
- Eatontown
- Fair Haven
- Hazlet
- Holmdel
- Little Silver
- Middletown
- Ocean
- Red Bank
- Shrewsbury
- Tinton Falls
- West Long Branch
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.